Reviews

Solimar : the Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan

sierracreads's review

4.0

I would have been obsessed with this book when I was younger. Still as an adult, I found it difficult to put down most of the time. It felt like multiple adventures in one--a magic mystery, a siege, a quest, a rescue--which were very gripping and I loved. It was a good choice to pick up as I get myself back into reading more

There were a few plot points I really wish had been expanded on more--

Spoiler

specifically their original plan to retake the kingdom, meeting the captain of La Quinta and actually seeing Campeón rescue their father

--but as I'm not the target audience, I think it was exactly what it needed to be

msurber1225's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

eelmore7's review

4.0

Such a sweet story. I Love a Middle Grade book and in my opinion the best ones make you forget you're reading middle grade fiction because of the story. This one didn't do that as much as I usually prefer but I enjoyed the world that she built and characters.

aburciaga11's review

adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

mjs1212's review

challenging hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

mrshillreadsalot2023's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

aielinnae's review

4.0

As always Pam Munoz Ryan delivers a heart-felt, warm hero’s journey. Satisfying from the beginning to the end, her latest, Solimar, follows the titular heroine on a magical path of discovering her truest self as she completes her Quinceanera’s preparations.

celtfem's review

hopeful informative lighthearted fast-paced

3.0

sara_hudson's review

5.0

First of all, it is 190 pages, not 272 pages - and that matters for my purposes. I loved this briskly told adventure story with a bit of magic and a nice dose of feminism. Not feminism that will frighten anyone - just putting girls and women as motivators of a story set in a patriarchal kingdom. And a well-done conservation story about the beauty and magic of butterflies.

Solimar is a fantastic character - a girl who knows her own mind, but understands the importance of family. A family who loves her and is kind and honorable. Berto is endearing as her partner in adventure. A talking doll and loyal bird round out the crew that must harness the magic of the monarchs to save their habitat - and Solimar's kingdom. Her big brother is also a fantastic character - finding his own way and allowing her to find hers. Great parents for a refreshing touch.

I am a fan of Esperanza Rising, Riding Freedom, Becoming Naomi Leon, and Mananaland - and this one is my favorite of the lot.

kkaste's review

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0